Award-winning spa in iconic 250-year-old building suddenly closes as owners blame ‘challenging economic environment’

A PRESTIGIOUS spa based inside a stunning 250-year-old building has been forced to close down.

Devonshire Spa in Derbyshire, the highest-ranked wellness facility in the historic town, will shut down at the end of this month.

The Grade II listed building is nestled within the University of Derby's Buxton Campus and was named Luxury Emerging Spa in Northern Europe at the World Luxury Spa Awards 2017.

In 2016 it was awarded Professional Beauty's Day Spa of the year.

Originally known as The Great Stables in 1779 by John Carr of York for the 5th Duke of Devonshire, the building housed up to 120 horses.

It also provided accommodation for servants and staff for those staying in The Crescent.

Despite its popularity and reputation, the retreat's bosses said the business could no longer stay afloat amid the “economic challenges”.

A spokesperson for Devonshire Spa said: “Unfortunately, due to the challenging economic environment, the Devonshire Spa will be closed from March 31, 2025.

“We are sorry to be closing and would like to thank all our customers past and present.

“If you have unused vouchers or credit with us, please do contact us on 01298 338408 as soon as possible, to allow us to process these accordingly.

“Once again, thank you for your custom and loyalty over the years.”

The spa offered a wide variety of beauty treatments and had facilities such as a sauna, steam room, aroma room, and an ice fountain.

The hospitality industry has been feeling the pressure since the pandemic and it's not looking as though things will improve any time soon.

Pubs and restaurants are bracing themselves for the April 6 price hike in national insurance.

Earlier this year, Shadow Cabinet ministerAndrew Griffithsaid: “Labour will kill offpubsand hospitality venues with the double whammy of their extreme union charter andjobstax.

“Whether the price of your pint goes up or your local shuts down, there’ll only be one man to blame: Keir Starmer.”;

More than 1.2 million hospitality workers are not currently eligible for employer national insurance contributions.

On the High Street 62 stores are set to close for good this month.

Both big-name brands and smaller independent stores are continuing to be bruised by higher rents and shoppers having less money in their pockets.

Another big factor is upcoming hikes to employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and national minimum wage which add to retailers costs.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said during her autumn statement last year that she would raise employers' National Insurance contributions (NICs) from 13.8% to 15%.

She also announced a reduction to the threshold at which businesses start payingNI contributionsfrom £9,100 to £5,000.